Editor : Amethyst00



Emio Luchan.

He was a mage from a well-known military family, once famed for his exceptional talent in combat magic.

When he first entered Lumene, his grades were among the top—easily within the top five of the entire magic department, even including Leo.

But after being promoted to second year, Emio began to reveal his limits.

To be more exact, it had started near the end of his first semester in year one.

His growth rate had clearly begun to slow.

He still performed well when facing large groups of weaker opponents, but against those with similar or greater skill, he faltered.

This was a trait often seen in military-trained combat mages.

Emio himself tried everything he could to break past that wall.

But eventually, he began to fall behind even in theoretical classes—an area of critical importance in the magic department.

By the first semester of his second year, his development had completely stagnated.

Professor Len, judging that he would be unable to keep up with the curriculum from the second semester onward, gave him failing marks—and that led to Emio undergoing expulsion procedures.

Not long after, on the first day of the new term following summer break, he caused a scene by showing up and going on a rampage.

Even during his enrollment, he was infamous for his bad temper, regardless of grades.

He was constantly at odds with other students in the department, so even though he was once a classmate, no one was happy to see him again.

Chelsea scowled openly, her expression showing exactly how annoyed she was. Chloe's gaze went cold.

"Ugh."

Carl exaggerated a shiver and quickly ducked behind Chelsea.

"What?"

"Look at how he's glaring at me. It's terrifying."

"Hey! You're a hero now! No need to flinch over some loser like him!"

"Still got that filthy mouth, Chelsea Lewellin."

"Hah? Got a problem with how I talk? I'll gladly crack that skull open for you."

Chelsea snarled, and Carl gave an impressed whistle.

"Chelsea, you really sound like a thug."

"Whose side are you even on?!"

Chelsea's eyes blazed as she aimed a kick at Carl, who scrambled to avoid it with an exaggerated yelp.

"Still pathetic," Emio spat, watching the scene with a sneer.

Chloe finally spoke up.

"Emio. If you're thinking of causing another problem, I'd advise against it."

There was no magic or pressure in her tone—just a calm warning.

Yet her voice alone held the power to make people freeze.

For a brief moment, Emio flinched without realizing it.

But the fact that he had been cowed by Chloe seemed unacceptable to him, and his expression twisted in denial.

"I'm not here to cause trouble. I'm here in Lumeria City as a representative of the kingdom."

"A representative of the kingdom?"

Chloe narrowed her eyes.

Just then, Carl—still ducking Chelsea's flailing limbs—paused and muttered,

"Wait, is this because of Leo—ack?!"

He was promptly floored by a flying dropkick from Chelsea.

With a crisp smack, she landed cleanly on his back and tilted her head.

"What's Leo got to do with any of this?"

"Can you get off me first?!"

Carl groaned, and Chelsea hopped off him.

As he groaned and rubbed his back, Carl spoke.

"Leo just became the King of the World, right? I'm guessing that's what brought him here."

"Huh? Ahhh."

At those words, Chelsea's expression changed as realization dawned.

'Right, they're even holding a coronation during break.'

The founding of a new Hero Kingdom.

It was certainly a big deal for someone to become a king.

Though to be fair, it was still just a small kingdom tucked away at the western edge of the continent.

Normally, it wouldn't attract global attention.

But by inheriting the title of "King of the World" from Lysinas, this coronation had turned into an international event.

Even the Lordren Empire had significantly upgraded the importance of its delegation to the ceremony.

'Even if the Kingdom of Arhi doesn't have overwhelming power, its influence is already massive.'

Chelsea, though not a direct heir, was still from a distinguished hero family—and she had a good sense of how influential Leo had become.

'I wouldn't be surprised if a whole crowd of famous names gathers under Leo's banner.'

Nations, hero guilds.

And those who belonged to no group at all, living by their own sense of justice.

From heroes who had already achieved greatness, to those with the potential to do so in the future—

If they all rallied beneath Leo, the King of the World…

That alone would give rise to a force that could shake the entire continent.

'Well, the Shadows already follow Leo anyway.'

The Shadows from across the world, with the Xian Empire at their head, had long since pledged loyalty to Leo.

Even Dragonia had followed suit.

To Chelsea, it was hardly surprising anymore.

But one thing was certain now—

Leo had become someone that the power brokers of the world desperately wanted to align with.

After the Davienne Incident, the number of letters sent to Leo from all over the world had increased dramatically.

Not just letters—many forces now sought some way, any way, to make contact with him.

In that regard, it wasn't strange that Emio had also come as a national representative.

"You're still unnecessarily quick on the uptake," Emio snorted, arms crossed.

"I have come to meet Leo Plov, the Student Council President of Lumene, as the advisory mage to His Highness Prince Zephard Philon Gedwan of the Gedwan Kingdom."

"Advisory mage to the crown prince? That's quite a promotion."

Carl let out a low whistle of surprise.

The Kingdom of Gedwan—a powerful military nation located in the north-central part of the continent—acted as a key force in keeping the Tartaros factions in the central region in check.

Since Lumene was located in central territory, there was no dominant power in the area. But among the many kingdoms founded by heroes across the region, Gedwan possessed the largest territory and national strength.

Though Emio had been a standout elite from Lumene, becoming an advisory mage to the Gedwan crown prince was undeniably an impressive rise.

Yet Emio only glared in response to Carl's praise.

He had taken a dislike to Carl ever since their admission.

While Emio had always been top of the class, Carl had always sat at the very bottom.

But now, the tables had turned.

Emio had been expelled a year ago, while Carl remained at Lumene and had even risen to the rank of Hero.

Emio still couldn't accept that outcome.

To someone raised in a military nation, strength was everything.

When Emio glared coldly, Carl simply grinned and slid behind Chloe again, still acting nonchalant.

Seeing that, Emio smirked.

"Still hiding behind a woman, huh? I suppose it suits someone who relies on tricks and cowardice."

To that jab, Carl only shrugged.

"In the end, I'm sure you leached off Leo Plov to get that Hero title."

"Hey. If you're here to start shit, get lost."

Chelsea's voice turned icy.

"If you're so confident, why not try me? Chelsea Lewellin."

At that, Chelsea curled her lips into a sharp grin, her expression fierce and ready to lunge at him.

Carl spoke quickly before things escalated.

"Alright, alright, let's not go picking unnecessary fights here."

Just as Chelsea was making a displeased face—

"Emio, what are you doing over there?"

A conceited voice called out.

A man appeared down the street, flanked by a host of attendants.

He looked to be in his mid-20s, and his expression overflowed with arrogance as he strode forward leisurely.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince," Emio greeted, bowing deeply.

"This is…?"

"Chloe MĂĽeller and Chelsea Lewellin, third-year students of the Lumene Academy's magic department. And Carl Thomas."

"Oh? The famous ones?"

A flicker of interest passed across Crown Prince Zephard's face.

Carl clicked his tongue internally as he recognized the man.

'So this is that infamous degenerate, Crown Prince Zephard.'

With the reputation that preceded him, Carl stepped forward cautiously.

"It's an honor to meet you. I'm Carl Thomas, currently attending Lumene Academy."

"Ah, yes. A pleasure," Zephard replied lazily before brushing past Carl and stopping before Chelsea and Chloe.

Then he let out a low whistle.

Chloe sighed faintly, and Chelsea tilted her head with a scowl.

"I've heard of your renown. They say you've achieved quite the feats at a young age."

"You flatter us."

Chloe replied calmly, while Chelsea looked blatantly irritated.

Zephard frowned at her attitude, and the surrounding attendants, including Emio, wore grim expressions—but Chelsea didn't so much as blink.

She only raised her chin with a look that said, 'So what? You want to try something?

He may be a prince, but the Lewellin family wasn't one to be cowed.

Seeing the tension, Carl gave Chelsea a few light jabs in the back.

She turned, and he subtly shook his head.

'Let's not get involved.'

Chelsea clicked her tongue, reading Carl's intent.

The three of them were already in violation of school rules by being off-campus. If a fight broke out, the school would definitely hear about it.

And if that happened, punishment from Harrid was inevitable.

Most of all, people like this were best ignored.

Zephard scoffed lightly at Carl and Chelsea, then turned to Chloe and looked her up and down like he was inspecting goods.

He had no interest in Carl, a commoner, and Chelsea's background was too powerful to touch.

But Chloe? That was different.

Smiling, Zephard said, "You truly are as beautiful as the rumors say."

"You flatter me," Chloe responded, expression like an ice sculpture.

"You're with the Northern Magic Tower, aren't you?"

"Yes."

"The world is changing. Accordingly, I want to bring talented individuals into our kingdom."

"I see."

"Would you consider coming to serve our kingdom?"

"I'm sorry, but I prefer my research in the Northern Tower."

"Haha. I expected that. I hear you're a strong candidate to be the next Tower Master. No offer could tempt you, I suppose."

Zephard gave a sly grin.

"Then how about this? I'll give you the chance to become queen of Gedwan."

"…What?"

Chloe froze, dumbfounded.

And not just her—Chelsea's mouth dropped open.

"What do you mean by that?"

"I mean, I'll let you be my wife. It's not a bad deal for you. No—as a woman, you should be thrilled. You'll enjoy your nights forever."

No one had expected the man to be this overtly vulgar.

It was clear he didn't even realize how insulting he was being.

Chloe's expression turned glacial.

'How should I break him?'

Her blue eyes gleamed like frozen blades.

Chelsea, watching someone talk like that to her friend, looked equally furious.

"Hey, Carl! Don't stop me! I can't let this—!"

"…Wow. In this day and age, they let dogs in heat roam around without a muzzle or a leash?"

Chelsea, just about to charge, blinked wide-eyed at the calm yet venomous voice from behind.

Even Chloe, momentarily distracted from her rage, turned in surprise.

Zephard stared blankly at Carl, who was now stepping forward.

Carl spoke softly, but each word carried weight.

"What are you staring at, you mutt? First time seeing a commoner swear?"